Would you like to learn about how to get car papers if lost in Nigeria? It may be rather distressing to lose your car documents, particularly in Nigeria where having proper documentation for your vehicle is essential for both legal compliance and day-to-day operations. However, if you know the procedures and prerequisites, replacing misplaced vehicle documentation is simple.

How to Get Car Papers if Lost in Nigeria: 6 Easy Steps

You won’t have too much trouble retrieving your car’s paperwork if you follow the steps listed below in this article.

Types of Car Documents Needed in Nigeria

Before starting the replacement method, it’s necessary to understand the several kinds of car documents normally needed in Nigeria. Among these documents are:

  • Vehicle License: This attests to the fact that your car is lawfully registered and permitted to be driven.
  • The Roadworthiness Certificate: It attests to the safety of operating your car on public roads.
  • Insurance Certificate: This document attests to the vehicle’s insurance coverage.
  • Proof of Ownership: This certifies that you are the car’s legitimate owner.
  • Custom Papers: These documents verify that all applicable import duties have been paid if the car is being imported.

How to Get Car Papers if Lost in Nigeria

1. Document the Loss

Notifying the police of the loss is the first step in replacing misplaced driver’s license documents. Since it creates an official record that your documents are missing. This is an important step. This is how you do it:

  • Go to the police station that is closest to where you are.
  • Report the loss of your vehicle’s documentation.
  • Get a police extract. This is a written statement from the police confirming that your car’s papers were lost.

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2. Get a Declaration

Swearing an affidavit in front of a High Court is the next step after getting the police extract. This affidavit is your official statement that your vehicle’s papers are missing. How to go about this:

  • Visit your state’s High Court.
  • Go to the court and swear an affidavit for misplaced car papers.
  • Get the affidavit signed and stamped by an oath commissioner after paying the necessary fees.

3. Visit the Licensing Office

How to Get Car Papers if Lost in Nigeria

After obtaining the police extract and written affidavit, you must go to the license office where your vehicle was first registered. This process is often overseen by the State Motor Licensing Authority (MLA) or the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

The police extract, the affidavit, and any further identity documents—such as your driver’s license or national ID—should be brought. Fill out the necessary paperwork at the licensing office. Cover the required replacement costs for the misplaced paperwork.

4. Insurance and Roadworthiness

You need to replace your insurance and roadworthiness certificate if you misplaced them. Here’s how to do it:

  • Certificate of Roadworthiness: Go to a Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO). To ensure it is safe to drive, your car might need to go through an inspection. Remit the inspection and replacement certificate fees.
  • Certificate of Insurance: Speak with your insurance company. To make it easier for a new insurance certificate to be issued, provide the required information and the police report. Remit any relevant fees.

5. Personalized Documents (If Relevant)

You must get in touch with the Nigeria Customs Service if your imported car has lost its customs paperwork. Give the sworn affidavit and the police extract. Prepare to share information about the car, such as the manufacturer, model, VIN, and year of import. Cover the necessary costs for new custom documents.

6. Ownership Verification

Visit the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or the relevant agency that provided the original proof of ownership to obtain a replacement.

Deliver all previously obtained documentation (identification, affidavit, and police extract). Fill out the necessary fields. Cover the required costs to receive a fresh ownership document.

Best Tips on How to Avoid Losing Your Car Papers

  • Store all of your vehicle documentation in digital form. Scan them, then safely store the files on your computer or the cloud.
  • Create copies of your documents, then keep the duplicates safe and apart from the originals.
  • Put your car papers in a special document holder and store them somewhere safe and reliable in your house or place of business.

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Best Tips on How to Avoid Losing Your Car Papers

In summary, it can be inconvenient to lose your car documents in Nigeria, but you can replace them by following the instructions provided. You’ll find it easier to go through the procedure if you call the police, swear an affidavit, go to the right authorities, and ensure all the paperwork is in order. Maintain copies of all key documents at all times to prevent future occurrences of the same kind.